The Lethbridge Hurricanes and Victoria Royals could be excused for humming that old Jerry Reed country song: When youre hot, youre hot. And when youre not, youre not.
The Hurricanes certainly are the former. And the not hot? That would be the Royals.
Lethbridge (11-7-2) is
5-0-1 over its last six games and 8-1-2 over the past 11 following its 4-2 Western Hockey League victory Wednesday night over the Royals before 3,387 fans at the Enmax Centre.
The loss was Victorias fifth consecutive and brought the Royals level to .500 at 9-9.
Were obviously disappointed, said Royals head coach Dave Lowry. We played hard and competed hard and had some quality chances but could not find a way to capitalize.
Asked if he was concerned about his clubs lack of finishing lately, Lowry said not to forget that these are junior players.
These guys are kids. When they dont score, often the pressure builds, he noted. Well continue the process of getting better every day.
Sometimes its just plain puck luck. Or lack thereof.
Weve got to find a way to win a hockey game, said Lowry.
Brandon Magee, with his ninth goal of the season, gave Victoria a 1-0 first-period lead. That was countered by Hurricanes defenceman Daniel Johnstons short-handed goal in the second period. Lethbridge again got production from its blueline when Macoy Erkamps gave the Canes the lead at 5:41 of the third period.
Victoria forward Steven Hodges, the 2012 Florida Panthers draft pick with his fourth goal of the season, tied matters 2-2 at 12:19. But Sam Mckechnies 10th of the season for Lethbridge proved the winner at 15:12. Brady Ramsay sealed the deal with an empy-netter with four seconds remaining.
Rookie Coleman Vollrath was solid in making 36 saves in goal for Victoria.
He was outstanding and gave us a chance to win, said Lowry.
The 20-year-old Ty Rimmer, acquired over the summer from the Tri-City Americans and who has started all 20 games for Lethbridge, made 32 saves.
The Royals losing streak has coincided with the first five games of their seven-game road swing, which concludes Friday in Calgary and Saturday in Medicine Hat.
